CHELSEA have taken a huge step closer to renovating Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have plans for £2billion worth of work on their stadium and could learn their fate this week.
Following nine weeks of talks with local residents, a presentation is scheduled for Wednesday to show the results.
The talks were held as part of the club’s bid to acquire a £50million site next to the ground.
Chelsea reached an agreement in principle with the veterans’ charity Stoll in July to buy most of the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions.
The two-acre site backs onto Stamford Bridge and the deal would pave the way for a potential full-scale rebuild of the ground.
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Plans for the stadium’s renovation include increasing the capacity from 42,000 to at least 55,000.
However, Chelsea still need approval from residents and a local GP surgery before the deal can be finalised.
The news comes after owner Todd Boehly submitted plans to the council to erect two giant lion sculptures outside Stamford Bridge.
His proposal would cost around £2million, with the lions replicating those displayed on the club badge.
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It is understood that Chelsea would prefer to renovate Stamford Bridge, rather than relocating to a new site.
A move is expected to be met with unrest from fans, who were previously against plans to move to Battersea Power Station.
Construction of a new stadium on the same site as Stamford Bridge is expected to take five years once planning permission is granted.
As a result, Chelsea would be forced to play elsewhere for at least some of that time.
Twickenham, Wembley Stadium and Fulham’s Craven Cottage have all been discussed as potential temporary homes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
